Vase



Dec. 21, 1937. APR. THOMAS VASE 3 Sheefs-Sheet 1 Filed July 25, 1936 INVEN TOR. AMEN ,2. ii/a/w ATTORNEY.

AER. THOMAS Dec. 21', 1937.

VASE

Filed July 25, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Azaezrfl. D an/41 ATTORNEY.

A. R. THOMAS Dec. 21, 1937.

VASE

Filed July 23, 1936 3 Sheets-Shet 3v w w a m m Z ATTORNEY. I

Patented Dec. 21 1937 -UN ljTED" STATES PATENT OFFICE VASE Albert R. Thomas, Phoenix, Ariz. Application tin 23, 1936, Serial No. 92,239

11 Claims.

This invention relates'to new and useful im provements in vases.

This application is filed as an improvement on my co p'e'nding application filed March'6,1936,

Serial No. 67,519 which has matured into Patent No. 2,062,684. I I a "One object ofthe invention isto provide an improved "vase which is particularlyadapted for use incemeterygrounds for holding or supporting floral decorations.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved vase in which an inner receptacle for holding floral decorations is provided, the construction of the vase being such that this inner receptacle may be supported at various elevations.

An important object of the invention is .to provide an improved vase of the character described, including an outer shell or casing and an inner receptacle for holding floral decorations telescoping said shell, the construction of the inner receptacle being such that it may be supported in an upright position so that the flowers may project from its upper end, or said receptacle g3, may be reversed or inverted, whereby when so inverted it will serve to close the upper end of the outer shell or casing.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improvedvase including a slidable inner res, ceptacle or container for supporting floral decorations, the vase being mounted so that its upperencli's substantially flush with the ground or other support, whereby a lawn mower, or other device, may be readily passed over the vase, and also whereby the'vase does not 'form an obstruction over which persons might trip.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a vase which is so constructed that various types of inner receptacles or containers may be 4 5; used therein without necessitating any change or modification of the outer shell or casing of said vase; the inner receptacles of both this invention as disclosed herein, and those of my copending application above referred to, may be i readily interchanged and used with the outer shell or casing.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

it) The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and

wherein: 1

Figure 1 is a vertical, sectional'view of a device constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the receptacle in its lowermost posi- 61011, 1 V I 4 Figure 2 is a similar View showing the receptadie in its raised position,

Figure 3 is a vertical detail showing the receptacle tilted so as to be disengaged from and to pass the stop, f i Figure 4 is a similar view showing the receptacle engaging the stop,

Figure 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional View taken on the line ,5-5 of Figure 1,

Figure 6 is a plan view of the receptacle, Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the receptacle in an inverted position,

Figure 8 is a plan view of the receptacle in an inverted position, 1

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional View of a modifled form of the invention,

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a modified form of the invention attached to a marker,

Figure 11 is a plan View of this form of the invention, showing a ring attached to the casing,

and

Figure 12 is a plan view of the vase mounted in a markers I In the drawings, the numeral Ill designates an upright, metal casing or shell which is adapted to be embedded in the ground, or in concrete, or other suitable support. The upper edge of the casing is provided with an annular flange II, which flange is formed so as to extend outwardly, as well as inwardly from the casing wall. When the casing is placed in an .opening, or hole A in the ground, or other base, the outwardly ex-v tending portion of the flange engages the ground surface to limit the downward movement of the casing and cause the upper end of the casing, to be flush with the ground. The bottom of the 4 casing or shell is provided with an axial opening l2 through which water, dirt or other matter may drain. a

An elongate, cylindrical receptacle or container I3 is slidably mounted within the shell or cas- 5 ing. The outer diameter of the receptacle is less thanthe inner diameter of the shell, while said receptacle has a sliding fit within the inwardly extending portion of the annular flange H. With such arrangement, the inwardly di- 5 rected portion of the flange overhangs the annular space formed between the receptacle and shell, whereby water, dirt and other extraneous matter will not readily enter this'space; The

upper end of the cup is closed by a circular head or cap M which head is preferably fastened to the upper end of the receptacle. This head may be made of bronze or any other suitable material and could, if desired, be made removable from the receptacle. The cap is provided with a plurality of openings or perforations M which extend entirely therethrough, so as to form a frog or holder for the stems of flowers, fern, and the like. The head has a horizontally extending boss or projection 5 at one side thereof, and when the receptacle is placed within the shell andlowered thereinto, said boss engages the flange H to limit downward movement of the receptacle within the shell.

As clearly shown in Figure 1, the head I4 is curved in a long are and its highest point does not project a great distance above the flange ll, whereby the wheels of a lawn mower, or other device, may readily pass thereover. The curvature of the head does not ofifer any obstruction and causes the receptacle to be substantially flush with the ground'level, and therefore, the vase may be walked over without danger of tripping. This is an important feature of the invention because heretofore, devices of this nature have projected above the ground level and not only caused persons to trip thereover but prevented the passage of a lawn mower, or other similar device thereover.

The bottom L3 of the receptacle I3 is provided with a downwardly extending marginal lip or rim it. An axial sump or recess H is formed in the bottom l3 and receives a ring It, or other similar means which may be used for lifting purposes, as will be explained. A portion of the marginal lip or rim it is extended to form a projection i9 and it is preferable that this projection be in vertical alignment with the boss or projection i5 formed on the head or Cap '4.

Within the shell or casing I and substantially at the midportion thereof, an arcuate lug or rest 2| is located. The lug is substantially triangular in shape in cross-section and, as clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, the upper surface or face of the lug is inclined upwardly from the wall of the shell. ceptacle or container I3 is lowered within the shell or casing, it will be obvious that since the projection is formed on the lower end of the receptacle is inclined downwardly, this projection will readily engage the upper inclined face of arcuate lug 2|. Since the receptacle has a diameter which is substantially equal to the diameter of the annular flange I, said flange will serve to guide the receptacle into the shell or casing. Therefore, as the receptacle is lowered vertically within the casing the projection l9 will engage the arcuate lug 2|, as shown in Figure 2, and further downward movement of said receptacle 'is prevented, whereby said receptacle is supported in this position.

In the event that the projection I!) should be misaligned vertically with the lug 2| so as not to strike the same as the receptacle is lowered within the shell, it is noted that the projecting rim or lip it formed on the lower edge of the receptacle will, when the receptacle is lowered axially within the casing engage the arcuate lug 2| to support the receptacle in this intermediate position. However, since the projection i9 is comparatively narrow, while the lug 2| is arcuate, it will be obvious that it is not likely that the projection will miss said lug.

With the receptacle in the position shown in With such arrangement, as the inner re-v Figure 2, the lug 2| is engaged by the projection I9 and the receptacle I3 is supported within the upper end of the casing Ill. The upper portion of the receptacle is projecting upwardly from the ground level at this time. It may remain in this position for any length of time and suitable flowers may be inserted through the opening M of the head l4 so as to be supported therein.

When it is desired to move the receptacle l3 to its lowermost position within the casing or shell Iii so that the head I4 is substantially flush with the ground level, it is only necessary to tilt the inner receptacle to the position as shown in Figure 3. Such tilting movement is possible because although the inner receptacle has substantially a sliding fit through the flange ll, yet there is sufficient clearance to permit this tilting movement. As the lower end of the receptacle I3 is moved to one side to engage the wall of the casing or shell, the projection I9 is moved clear or out of alignment with the lug 2 When this occurs further downward movement of the receptacle is possible.

Continued downward movement of the receptacle axially'within the shell or casing after it has cleared the lug 2|, will cause the rim or lip l5 at the bottom of the receptacle to engage a tapered stop lug or boss 22 which projects inwardly from the wall of the shell or casing Ill. The lug 22 is located at the lower end of the casing and projects inwardly therefrom. Located diametrically opposite the tapered lug 22 and disposed in a horizontal plane slightly thereabove, is an arcuate lug 23 which is similar to the lug 2|, except that it is inverted. As clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lug 23 is triangular in cross-section and has its under surface undercut as shown at 23'. The lug 23 is in vertical alignment with the lug 2| and is formed preferably integral with the wall of the shell or casing l0.

After the inner receptacle l3 hasbeen disengaged from the upper lug 2| and moved downwardly within the shell or casing ill, it is obvious that the projection H3 at the lower end of the receptacle will first strike the inclined surface of the inverted lug 23. This will cause the lower end of the receptacle to be moved toward the opposite wall of the shell or casing and into engagement with the tapered upper surface of the lug 22. By the time the lip or rim it at the lower end of the receptacle strikes the lug 22, the projection l9 which is an extension of the rim or lip l6 has cleared the lower end of the lug 23. Continued downward movement of the receptacle causes the tapered surface of lug 22 to move the receptacle back toward the lug 23 and since the projection l9 has cleared the lower edge of the lug 23, itwill be obvious that said projection will be moved beneath the lug 23. When this occurs it will be obvious that upward displacement of the receptacle within the casing or shell I0 is prevented by the engagement of said projection beneath the lug 23, as shown in Figure 1.

When it is desired to disengage the receptacle so as to remove the same from the shell, it is only necessary to grasp the inner receptacle by inserting the fingers within the opening M in the head. When this is done the lower end of the receptacle i3 may be swung toward the wall of the casing Ill adjacent the lug 22. This swinging of the lower end of the receptacle will disengage the projection I9 from beneath the lug 23 and will permit the receptacle to be moved upwardly and thereby removed from the casing. It is noted that jection to easily pass thereby.

'the projection IE on the head is overlying It is noted that the casing or shell is inserted in the ground or other base, and when so inserted theflange II at the upper edge of said shellis substantially flush therewith. Ifdesired; this flange may be readily used as a name plate for the deceased. The opening H2 in the bottom of the casing l provides a suitable drain for water, dirt or other extraneous matter which may find its way into the casing. The receptacle may readily be lowered into the casing and may be sup ported either by the upper lug 2|, whereby the upperportion of or said receptacle may be moved to 'itslowermost position as shown in Figure 1, at which time the head of said receptacle is substantially flush with the ground level. It is noted that when the receptacle is in its lowermost position accidental dis engagement of the receptacle from within the'casing is prevented because When the receptacle is within the casing in an upright position, as shown in Figure 1, the projection l9 at the lower end thereof is engaging beneath the lug 23 as hasbeen described, while the flange ll. When it is desired to reverse or invert the receptacle l3 it is only necessary to remove the same from the casing as above set forth. The receptacle is then turned over with the head l4 lowermost and is inserted into the shell or casing in this manner. The projection l5 on the head I4 is passed by the upper lug 21 in the same manner as the projection l9 clears the same, that is, by tilting the receptacle. When the receptacle reaches its lowermost position the projection l5 on the head l4 engages beneath the lowermost lug 23 (Figure 7). while the projection l9 overlies the flange II at the upper edge of the casing. It will be obvious that the bottom of the receptacle in this case becomes the top and serves to close off the casing l0 whereby extraneousmatter is prevented from falling thereinto. The receptacle maybe removed from this position by merely grasping the ring l8 which is provided at the center of the bottom of the receptacle l3. It is noted that this is a feature of the invention because when there are no floral decorations, it is desirable to close the casing so as to prevent dirt, or other matter from falling therein.

In Figure 9, a modified form of the invention is shown. In this form the lug 23 and tapered lug 22 are eliminated from the inner wall of the casing. The receptacle I3 is exactly the same as in the first form except that the head [4 thereof is provided with an annular flange Ma which flange overlies the flange H at the upper end of the casing. For holding the receptacle l3 in this form'in its lowermost position so as to prevent water from floating the receptacle upwardly within the casing a suitable chain 24 may be secured to the bottom of the receptacle and fastened to the bottom of the casing as clearly shown in Figure 9. The upper lug 2| is provided inthis form and the supporting of the receptacle in an intermediate position by the lug is accomplished in the same manner, since the receptacle is provided with the projection I9 for engaging said lug. Thus, it will be seen that the only difference between this form and that described and shown in Figures 1 to 8 is that the lug 22 and lug 23 are omitted and a chain 24 substituted therefor for holding the re said receptacle is above ground,

the projection I9 is en- 'gaged beneath the lowermost lug 23.

ceptacle in its lowermost position. Also the head I4 is provided with the overlying annular flange um, and this flange may be used as a name plate, if desired. It is obvious, of course, that if the flange M11, is provided the receptacle cannot be inverted as in the first form. V

In Figures to 12, inclusive, I have shown still another form of the invention, wherein the vase is mounted within a suitable tablet or marker plate 25. In this form, the receptacle is exactly the same as that shown in the form shown in Figures 1 to 8, there being no change in said receptacle. In place of the outer'shell or casing II] a slightly modified form of casing I0 is provided. The interior of this shell or casing is made exactly as the casing I9 ,in Figure 1, being provided with an upper lug 2i and a lower lug 23a, as well as a tapered lugv 22'. The bottom of the casing lll instead of being closed and provided with the opening [2 is entirely open, as

clearly shown in Figure 10. The insertion or removal of the receptacle I3 within the casing l0 is accomplished exactly as in the form shown in Figures 1 to 8 and a description of the operation or'use of the receptacle I3 within the casing I0 is deemed unnecessary.

For supporting the'casing l8 within the tablet or plate 25 the upper end of said casing is provided with a flange ll similar to the flange II in the first form. A boss 21 is located at one side of the casing l0, being disposed just below the flange II and being preferably made integral with the casing l0. A'similar boss 28 is locateddiametrically opposite the boss 21, as is clearly shown in Figures 11 and 12. The plate or marker 25 is provided with a circular opening 25' which is arranged toreceive the casing Ill. The boss 21 is provided with a shoulder 21 upon which the marginal edge portion adjacent the opening 25' of the plate 25 rests, whereby after the casing is inserted in the ground and the marker placed 7 thereover, the marker is supported on the shoulder 21'. The boss 28 is provided with'a groove 28 which is arranged to be engaged by a lip or projection 29 which is formed on the plate 25 by cutting a recess 30 therein, as is clearly shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In securing the marker or plate 25 to the casing l6, it will be seen that the lip 29 formed at one side of the marker adjacent the circular opening 25 therein is engaged in the groove 28. formed between the boss 28 and the overhanging portion of the flange H'. The outer edge of the flange H is formed with an extension Ila which is located adjacent the recess 30 in the plate 25, whereby when the projection 29 engages in the groove 28', the extension lla lies within' the recess 30. At the same time the side diametrically opposite the boss 28 of the marker, is supported on the shoulder 21' formed at the upper end of the boss 21, and from the above, it will be seen that with this arrangement the casing I6 is securely mounted within the plate 25. It is noted that" the provision of the plate or marker does not in any way interfere with the operation or use of the receptacle [3 which may be removed from or inserted within the casing ID at any desired time. It is further pointed out that the receptacle l3 may be, if desired, inverted within the casing ID in the same manner as the receptacle 13 may be inverted within the casing H1.

The marker in which the casing 10 is mounted may be of any desired shape or form. The oasing II)" has been shown as removably mounted or secured within this marker, but it is obvious that,

if desired, the casing could readily be made integral with said marker. Attention is called to the fact that all of the inner receptacles shown in the various forms herein described are interchangeable with any of the casings or shells which have been shown. This is an important feature of the invention as it permits the interchangeability of the various type receptacles with the various casings or shells.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end, a receptacle slidably mounted within said casing, 2. lug located at substantially the mid-portion of the casing within the same, means on the lower end of the receptacle for engaging said lug, whereby the receptacle is supported within the casing so that a portion of the receptacle extends from the upper end of said casing, the receptacle having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the casing whereby said receptacle may undergo a tilting movement so as to disengage the means from said lug to permit the receptacle to be lowered to its lowermost position, and means at the lower end of the casing for engaging the first named means on the lower end of the receptacle to hold the receptacle in its lowermost position in the casing.

2. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end substantially flush with the ground level, a receptacle having a closed top with a plurality of openings therein for receiving and holding floral decorations, said closed top lying substantially flush with the ground, whereby the receptacle forms substantially no obstruction when in place within the casing, means for supporting the receptacle at various elevations in the casing, and means for locking the receptacle in its lowermost position in said casing.

3. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end and adapted to be embedded in the ground, an inner receptacle slidable Vertically within the casing and capable of undergoing a tilting movement therein, a projection on the inner wall of the casing arranged to be engaged by the lower end of the receptacle to support said receptacle in an intermediate position, said receptacle being disengaged from the projection when tilted, a second projection at the bottom of the casing within the same, and a complementary projection on the lower end of the receptacle cooperating with said second projection for maintaining the receptacle within the bottom of the casing, the tilting of the receptacle disengaging the cooperating projections to permit removal of the receptacle.

4. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end and adapted to be embedded in the ground, an inner receptacle slidable vertically within the casing and capable of undergoing a tilting movement therein, a projection on the inner wall of the casing arranged to be engaged by the lower end of the receptacle to support said receptacle in an intermediate position, said receptacle being disengaged from the projection when tilted, and means at the lower end of the casing for locking the receptacle in its lowermost position in the casing.

5. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end substantially flush with the ground level, a reversible receptacle having a closed top with a plurality of openings therein for receiving and holding floral decorations, said closed top lying substantially flush with the ground, whereby the receptacle forms substantially no obstruction when in place within the casing, the bottom of the receptacle being flat so as to lie substantially flush with the ground when the receptacle is reversed within the casing, and means for supporting the receptacle at various elevations in the casing. a

6. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end and adapted to be embedded in the ground, an inner receptacle slidable vertically in said casing, an arcuate projection of substantial length on the inner wall of the casing arranged to be engaged by the lower end of the receptacle to support said receptacle in an intermediate position within the casing, there being a clearance between the casing and receptacle to permit the receptacle to undergo a tilting movement, whereby said receptacle is disengaged from said projection to permit its lowering to the bottom of the casing.

7. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end and adapted to be embedded in the ground, an inner receptacle slidable vertically in said casing, an arcuate projection of substantial length on the inner wall of the casing, and a lug on the lower end of the receptacle adapted to engage the arcuate projection to support the receptacle in an intermediate position in the easing, said lug being relatively narrow in width so as to facilitate its engagement with the projection, there being a clearance between the casing and receptacle to permit the latter to undergo a tilting movement, whereby the lug may be disengaged from said projection and moved to its lowermost position.

8. A vase including, a casing having an open upper end and adapted to be embedded in the ground, an inner receptacle slidable vertically in said casing, an arcuate projection of substantial length on the inner wall of the casing, a lug on the lower end of the receptacle adapted to engage the arcuate projection to support the receptacle in an intermediate position in the casing, said lug being relatively narrow in. width so as to facilitate its engagement with the projection, there being a clearance between the casing and receptacle to permit the latter to undergo a tilting movement, whereby the lug may be disengaged from said projection and moved to its lowermost position, and means for locking the receptacle in its lowermost position within the casing.

9. The combination with a marker plate hav ing an opening therein, of a vase having means for securing said plate thereto after the vase is embedded in the ground.

10. The combination with a marker plate having an opening therein of a vase including, a casing having projections at its upper end, and a receptacle for floral decorations slidable vertically in the casing, the projections on the easing being located diametrically opposite each other, whereby the marker plate may be engaged therebeneath after the casing has been embedded in the ground.

11. The combination with a marker plate having an opening therein of a vase including, a casing having projections at its upper end, and a receptacle for floral decorations slidable vertically in the casing, means 'for supporting the receptacle at various elevations within the casing, the projections on the casing being located diametrically opposite each other, whereby the marker plate may be engaged therebeneath after the casing has been embedded in the ground.

ALBERT R. THOMAS. 

